Sigmatism: A Review
Abstract
Sigmatism is the term used to describe the production of the [s] sound in speech. This paper reviews the literature on sigmatism to provide a comprehensive overview of the various causes, effects, and treatments for this condition. The literature review identified that sigmatism can be caused by a variety of factors, including anatomical, physiological, and cognitive issues. It can also have a range of effects, including speech intelligibility, reduced self-confidence, and increased communication difficulties. Treatment approaches vary depending on the cause and severity of the sigmatism but may include speech therapy, orthodontic treatment, and surgical intervention.
Keywords: sigmatism, speech, causes, effects, treatment
Introduction
Sigmatism is a speech disorder that refers to the production of the [s] sound in speech (Varley, 2018). It can occur in both children and adults and is characterized by either a lisp or a whistling sound when producing the [s] sound (Varley, 2018). In some cases, it can be a mild speech mistake that does not affect communication, while in others it can be more severe and cause communication difficulties. This paper reviews the literature on sigmatism to provide a comprehensive overview of the various causes, effects, and treatments for this condition.
Causes
Sigmatism can be caused by a variety of factors, including anatomical, physiological, and cognitive issues. Anatomical factors include a small oral cavity, a large tongue, or a high-arched palate, which can make it difficult for the tongue to move correctly when producing the [s] sound (Gillespie, 2017). Physiological factors can include a weak tongue muscle or a lack of coordination between the lips and tongue when producing the [s] sound (Gillespie, 2017). Cognitive issues can include difficulty understanding the differences between sounds or difficulty with pronunciation (Gillespie, 2017).
Effects
Sigmatism can have a range of effects, including speech intelligibility, reduced self-confidence, and increased communication difficulties. Difficulties with the clarity of speech can interfere with communication and lead to misunderstandings. It can also lead to reduced self-confidence due to the speaker feeling embarrassed or self-conscious about their speech (Varley, 2018). This can lead to increased communication difficulties as the speaker may avoid speaking or interacting with others.
Treatment
Treatment approaches vary depending on the cause and severity of the sigmatism. Speech therapy is often used to help the individual learn to produce the [s] sound correctly (Gillespie, 2017). This may involve teaching the individual how to form their mouth for the sound, how to use their tongue and lips to produce the sound, and how to practice the sound in different contexts. Orthodontic treatment may also be used in cases where anatomical issues are causing the sigmatism (Gillespie, 2017). This may involve using braces or other devices to help correct the alignment of the teeth and jaw. In severe cases, surgical intervention may be necessary (Gillespie, 2017).
Conclusion
Sigmatism is a speech disorder that refers to the production of the [s] sound in speech. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including anatomical, physiological, and cognitive issues. It can also have a range of effects, including speech intelligibility, reduced self-confidence, and increased communication difficulties. Treatment approaches vary depending on the cause and severity of the sigmatism but may include speech therapy, orthodontic treatment, and surgical intervention.
References
Gillespie, M. (2017). What causes sigmatism? Retrieved from https://www.healthline.com/health/sigmatism#causes
Varley, M. (2018). What is sigmatism and how is it treated? Retrieved from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/321090